The US National Park system is likely one of the best ideas that the country ever gave to the world and is certainly one of the most popular. Before the United States designated Yellowstone as the first US National Park, no other country had ever dabbled in the idea of such a place. Preserving the land and the resources in it for the benefit and enjoyment of the people was a revolutionary concept. Today, that idea has spread around the world and nations on every continent act to protect natural and historic spaces for people to enjoy.

The US National Parks.

That’s why it seems to fitting to spend this 250^th milestone celebrating, what I think, to be one of the best ideas ever conceived and go to one of the US National Parks. However, I am a travel writer and this wouldn’t be a very interesting article if I just told you to go to a place like Gettysburg. Not that you shouldn’t go to Gettysburg, you should, because it’s worthwhile history to experience, but almost everyone knows about that place. Instead, I want to tell you about less prominent National Parks, Memorials, Lakeshores, Sites, and Monuments that many people don’t even know exist.

This is a two-part article and together they will cover sites across the country starting from the east coast and moving west.

George Washington Carver National Monument – Missouri

George Washington Carver National Monument near Diamond Missouri stands out for several reasons. First, it preserves the childhood home of one of the most influential Americans in US history. Second, it is the first National Monument dedicated to an African American. All other previous Monuments had also been dedicated to Presidents, so it was also the first in that regard.

The life of George Washington Carver is extremely interesting, diverse, and influential. While many people think of him tied to peanuts, because of his book on peanut uses, he did groundbreaking work in the areas of soil depletion, food preservation, and crop development. It’s easy to get lost in his biography, but I’ll save that for when you visit.

George Washington Carver National Monument – Missouri (NPS Photo)

While the National Monument itself is relatively small, there are a number of interesting things you can do there. There are guided tours and hikes around the area, exploring the life of Carver.  Additionally, there is a classroom modeled after the ones where Carver himself taught, and they even do educational programing there. Finally, there are always events being held here, so make sure to check out the calendar before you visit!

If you’re traveling in the area, there are several sites worth checking out as well, including Grand Falls, Fort Scott National Historic Site, and several mining and mineral museums. All of which are worth a look.

Big Bend National Park – Texas

Texas boasts numerous impressive parks and monuments, but nothing shows the real beauty of Texas like Big Bend National Park. As a National Park, it’s all about nature in Big Bend, so hiking, canoeing, camping, stargazing, and more are a must when visiting.

With that said, some specific reasons to come to Big Bend over some of the other amazing places we’ve been through already. It has unique views and geology, in fact it’s sometimes called a geologist’s paradise and a geologist’s nightmare because of its stunning, but often confusing geology. Ancient seas, volcanoes, faults, and folds have led to a variety of bizarre structures, like giant boulders suspended on pillars, fossil beds of ammonites, and gorgeous banding in the stone highlighted by the desert sun.

Big Bend National Park – Texas (NPS Photo)

Another reason to come to Big Bend is for the birding. We’ve mentioned birding before, but not many places do it like Big Bend. With the waters of the river and its prime location on many migratory paths, Big Bend is sacred ground for birders, hosting 56 species living year-round, and over 450 species known to come through the park, if you have interest in birds, this is a must-visit location. Guides and birding hotspots are provided by NPS, and some rare and beautiful birds hide in and among its rocks.

White Sands National Park – New Mexico

White Sands National Park, located in New Mexico, completely surrounded by the White Sands Missile Range. But don’t worry, it’s completely safe to visit! In fact, over a half million people visit each year, and is the most visited NPS site in New Mexico.

This park has a huge array of things going for it, geology, nature, modern history, and ancient history all rolled into one! First of all, this area boasts the largest gypsum dunefield in the world, with dunes reaching 60 feet. These are rare because gypsum usually dissolves with water, but the dry climate has let it develop here.

White Sands National Park – New Mexico (NPS Photo)

Because it’s been well developed, there are a lot of ways to enjoy nature here, from hiking, bicycling, driving, and even horseback riding. People will even ride sleds down the sides of the dunes, in designated areas of course, and don’t worry if you forgot to bring your sled to New Mexico, they sell them at the park.

Finally, one of the biggest reasons to check out this park is its historical impact. While the site is not accessible to the public, White Sands has human footprints preserved in its arid climate from back when this area was a large lake. Dating techniques done by the US Geological Survey have dated these footprints to 23,000 years old, which has caused some controversy, as the common wisdom before now put human arrival in North America at 16,000 years or less. More research is being done, but it’s amazing to imagine walking in the same place that people over 20,000 years ago did.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – New Mexico

While the Gila Cliff Dwellings are becoming more well known, I think that this amazing site deserves even more recognition than it currently has. Located in New Mexico near Silver City, this ancient site is perched up in five caves, comprising 46 different rooms, so far. The site is said to have been occupied during the 1200s-1400s, in the surrounding area there are additional ruins as well as evidence of hunting, fishing, and agriculture.

There is a museum associated with the site which has exhibitions of Apache and Mogollon artifacts from the region. There are other ruins nearby, some of which you can also visit. In addition, the region hosts natural hot springs, which have brought resorts and other activities into the area.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument – New Mexico (NPS Photo)

In addition to learning about the ruins through guided tours, there are other activities to enjoy in the area. It’s a well-known bird-watching site, as part of the Southwestern New Mexico Birding Trail. Additionally, it is known for its stargazing opportunities with chances to see meteor showers and auroras. The surrounding area also has a great variety of hiking opportunities to take in the beautiful desert landscape.

While you’re soaking in the history, there are also a few natural hot springs that you can soak in. The Lightfeather and Jordan hot springs are in the park, and are what are called “Sweet springs” not because they are filled with corn syrup, but because they lack salt and sulfur, meaning you don’t have that eggy smell.

Hovenweep National Monument – Utah and Colorado

Tucked amongst some of the most famous National Parks, like Arches, Canyon Lands, and Natural Bridges site the Hovenweep National Monument. This relatively unassuming monument on the border of Utah and Colorado holds a wide array of history to it.

At this location, there are sites of ancient human habitation sites, including stone ruins of these villages. Inhabited from 8,000 BCE to 200 AD, and then again by the Puebloan cultures in the region until 1400. There are at least six separate periods of human life that have been discovered at this site so far. A variety of stone ruins dot the landscape, offering you a glimpse into North America’s ancient past. In addition, the location has given us insight into the development of agricultural staples like corn, squash, and cotton amongst others, that were grown in terraced fields.

Hovenweep National Monument – Utah and Colorado (NPS Photo)

Exploring this monument and its environment is a must-see if you are visiting any of the nearby big-name parks. And if you’re willing to stay up late, Hovenweep is also a destination for stargazers, with up to 15,000 stars visible every night. In fact, this site was added to the International Dark-Sky Association, helping to keep the night sky visible for everyone going forward.

Dinosaur National Monument – Utah

Like Hovenweep, Dinosaur National Monument sits in Colorado and Utah, unlike Hovenweep, it has a very different type of history hidden in and among its surfaces. Created at the famous “Dinosaur Quarry”, this region boasts hundreds of paleontological fossils sites, particularly of sauropods, Allosaurus, and Deinonychus, the dinosaur that the Jurassic Park’s Velociraptor was directly based on.

This monument boasts a unique experience unlike almost anywhere else in the world. With over 200,000 acres of land with hundreds of sites that have produced holotypes, or prime examples, of different species. You can see the dinosaur bones emerging from the rock face as you traverse this gorgeous landscape.

Dinosaur National Monument – Utah (NPS Photo)

If dinosaur bones in their “natural habitat” aren’t enough of a draw for you, there are also petroglyphs and pictographs carved into the stone along various trails and sites throughout the monument. River rafting also presents a unique way to experience this location. While guides and programs for children to learn more about this monument provide different ways to experience it.

Montezuma Castle National Monument – Arizona

Montezuma Castle is named after the famous Aztec emperor but, in reality, it has no ties to Montezuma, the Aztecs, and it isn’t even a castle. While it’s an impressive stone cliff structure, which overlooks the beautiful landscape around it, the site was abandoned before Montezuma was born. However, Europeans named it Montezuma Castle, and it stuck.

The big draw of this monument is the cliff structure itself, and a park service runs regular events and tours which go over everything we know about the people who built and lived at this striking location. There’s even a virtual tour that you can take on the National Park Service website, but nothing compares to the real thing.

Montezuma Castle National Monument – Arizona (NPS Photo)

There are more structures located at the nearby Montezuma Well, with sites ranging back to at least 11,000 BCE. This oasis in the middle of the desert hosts not only ancient sites, but also wildlife that flock to the water. Birds, reptiles, and more can be found in and around the area. At the bottom of the well, there is a unique feature where the bottom is comprised of free-flowing sand that creates a false bottom.

If you are in the area, a variety of other archeological and petroglyph sites are nearby, in addition to historic For Verde and famous National Parks like the Grand Canyon and Petrified Forest.

Crater Lake National Park – Oregon

Crater Lake National Park typifies what makes a National Park a National Park. Natural Beauty. The whole idea of the parks was to preserve the wonder and beauty of the United States for generations to come. Crater Lake, the 5^th oldest National Park, is a prime example of that. While tending to remain a little less well known than its cousins Yosemite and Yellowstone, it has no shortage of beauty.

Nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, this lake is one of picturesque beauty, owing to its highly unusual geology. Mount Mazama, much like Mount St Helens, underwent a cataclysmic eruption almost 7,700 years ago. As a result, a colossal caldera was formed, which filled in with water to create the lake we see today.

Crater Lake National Park – Oregon (NPS Photo)

Visiting this park, the biggest draw is the landscape itself and enjoying the nature that fills this land. Birding, hiking, fishing, camping, educational programing, overlooks, and more are all available. For something a little more structured, there are trolley and boat tours offered here to give more background from the park rangers themselves. If you’re a little less adventurous, or just like the AC in the car, there is also a Rim Drive that offers a variety of scenic views. Rim Village offers a variety of experiences as well, with events, and even Crater Lake Lodge where you can stay for the duration of your trip.

San Juan Island National Historic Park – Washington

San Juan Island might sound like a tropical paradise off the coast of Mexico, but this historic park sits on an island near Vancouver and Seattle in the much colder Haro Strait. With a weird history and natural beauty, it makes for a unique place to visit.

For birders, a wide variety of unique birds can be found. Meanwhile the park is famous for foxes and whales, predominantly orcas, humpback, and grey whales which can be seen off the coast. One of the prairies on the island is also home to the only known population of Island Marble Butterfly, which was believed to be extinct for 90 years before it was found living here in 1998.

San Juan Island National Historic Park – Washington (NPS Photo)

However, I mentioned a weird history, and in 1859, the US and England nearly started a war here with a spiraling military buildup on the island stemming from territorial claims and a dispute involving potatoes and a shot pig. While the so-called “Pig War” never came to actual blows, hundreds of soldiers and warships were involved. You can visit the sites of both the US and UK military camps that took part in the dispute.

As an island, you need to plan ahead to visit, but San Juan Island has a number of options for getting there, including ferries, airplanes, and seaplanes. Horseback riding, weddings, and all sorts of nature activities remain popular here, in addition to searching for wildlife and learning about the Island’s unique history.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park – Alaska

This historic park is a liiiiiitle further away than some of the places that have been listed, but if your Alaskan cruise stops off in Skagway, you’ve been there. There are a lot of parts to the Klondike Gold Rush Historic Park, many of which I covered in my series on Alaska, but there are other parts that are a little less common.

Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park – Alaska (NPS Photo)

One of the most interesting ones is the Chilkoot National Historic Trail, which is a 33-mile trail that made up part of the route that the gold rush prospectors would take from Dyea to Lake Bennett before continuing to the gold fields. Originally a trade route used by the indigenous population trading coastal goods with inland tribes, it became heavily used during the Klondike Gold Rush. Seemingly endless lines of prospectors walking the paths left signs of their passing and the tent cities that they built. As such, it’s sometimes nicknamed “the World’s longest museum” because of the historical remnants left along the trail.

If you can’t, or just don’t feel like, partaking in a 33-mile hike up a mountain into Canada, the Skagway historic district and Dyea Townsite boast a variety of museums, sites, and exhibits that you can take in.

Assorted Parks – Hawai’i

If you’re traveling to Hawaii, you are likely thinking of lush greenery, deep blue oceans, and volcanoes. Well, the National Park Service has offerings for you to really get to know all of these. Because the islands can be a little difficult to get around, we’re going to look at a number of national sites on the big island of Hawaii, which are all in close proximity to one another, but give you a great overview of everything you think of when it comes to Hawaii.

Volcanoes National Park – Hawai’i (NPS Photo)

Most famous is Volcanoes National Park, which hosts Kilauea and Mauna Loa, two extremely active volcanoes. This is one of the few places in the world where you can get a first-hand look at active lava erupting from the surface as whole new land is created right before your eyes. All sorts of educational programs on geology and Hawaiian traditions are represented at Volcanoes.

Along the western coast is the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, which follows ancient Hawaiian sites right along the oceanside. Along this trail, you can visit Pu’ukohola Heiau, which was the seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Kaloko-Honokohau, a settlement from before recorded history, and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau which hosts some of the most important traditional sites on all the islands.

Muir Woods National Monument – California

If you really want to see the Redwoods but are just to cool to hang out with the gaggle of tourists flocking to Redwoods National Park, then perhaps you should go to Muir Woods National Monument. This much smaller site hosts hiking, education, and Muir beach, a popular location for tourists and locals alike.

Muir Woods National Monument – California (NPS Photo)

If you’re a fan of the National Parks, and I hope by this point you are, you might have heard the name Muir before. This National Monument was named after John Muir, known as the “Father of the National Parks”. Through his relentless lobbying of the US Government and the public, via the Sierra Club, he helped found the entire National Park system which has been the groundwork for every one of these sites.

While the Muir Woods National Monument is relatively small compared to some of these locations, as someone who now might understand the real breadth of this system, it might be a fitting homage to the man that made it all happen by visiting the National Monument that bears his name.

The post US National Parks You Don’t Know – America’s 250th (Part 2) appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

The US National Park system is likely one of the best ideas that the country ever gave to the world and is certainly one of the most popular. Before the United States designated Yellowstone as the first US National Park, no other country had ever dabbled in the idea of such a place. Preserving the land and the resources in it for the benefit and enjoyment of the people was a revolutionary concept. Today, that idea has spread around the world and nations on every continent act to protect natural and historic spaces for people to enjoy.

The US National Parks.

That’s why it seems to fitting to spend this 250^th milestone celebrating, what I think, to be one of the best ideas ever conceived and go to one of the US National Parks. However, I am a travel writer and this wouldn’t be a very interesting article if I just told you to go to a place like Gettysburg. Not that you shouldn’t go to Gettysburg, you should, because it’s worthwhile history to experience, but almost everyone knows about that place. Instead, I want to tell you about less prominent National Parks, Memorials, Lakeshores, Sites, and Monuments that many people don’t even know exist.

This is a two-part article and together they will cover sites across the country starting from the east coast and moving west.

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site – Maine

The United States may soon be 250 years old or, if you’re watching this a bit later, the United States recently turned 250 years old. Even though that’s quite a few years, it’s a mere drop in the bucket of North American history. Dating back more than 13,000 years ago (no, that’s not a typo), the Passamaquoddy tribe occupied areas of what is today known as Maine. The tribe still exists today and they were the first native people to meet the first French explorers and colonists to North America in 1604.

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site in Maine dates back to more than 400 years to when Europeans and the Passamaquoddy people first met.

The French attempted to make a settlement on Saint Croix Island only to discover that the winters in Maine are much harsher than the winters in France. Of the 79 men who initially colonized the island, 35 died in the first winter. The remaining men were saved by the Passamaquoddy aiding them after the winter was over. That spring of 1605, the French made the decision to move the settlement to Port Royale in what is now known as Nova Scotia.

This park commemorates and memorializes that first French attempt to settle and the Passamaquoddypeople who have lived there since pre-history. Today, the park is best reached by driving. From Bangor, it’s around a two hours drive to the visitor’s center. You cannot visit the island itself, it’s a protected site to preserve the historic artifacts on the island, but there’s a lot to explore and learn on the mainland.

Federal Hall National Memorial – New York

I was inspired to write this article because it is the 250^th anniversary of our independence from England and the reign of Jonathan Groff, it seems fitting to mention something about George Washington. Of course, every American watching this already knows who he is; leader of the American revolution, first President of the United States, and that guy on the boat. Despite that boat guy fame, many of us don’t know something surprisingly basic that happened right at the start his presidency. The very start of it in fact.

Where was he inaugurated?

Every US President must be sworn in. It’s kind of a big deal. These days it happens on the steps of the US Capitol Building, but that wasn’t completed until 1793, and Washington was sworn in on April 30^th, 1789. So I ask you, where was he sworn in? Did he just stand on some slightly soggy ground near the Potomac?

Federal Hall National Memorial in New York, New York hides in the canyons of New York City.

No, he took the oath of office standing in the United States Congress’ first capital building in the nation’s first capital. A short distance from the water inside Federal Hall, the former city hall of New York, New York.

The original building was demolished in 1812, but the site is the same. Located at 26 Wall Street, square in the Financial District of Manhattan, it’s quite easy to visit and it’s probably one of the easiest places to visit on this list. Literally millions of people live a short drive, train ride, bus, or even a flight under and hour from this place.

Weir Farm National Historical Park – Connecticut

When you think of a national park, you probably aren’t imagining an artistic retreat nonetheless, that is exactly what the Weir Farm National Historical Park is. The beauty of our National Parks system is that it preserves many parts of our history, not just battlefields or political figure’s offices. American art history is just as important to the story of the country as anything else.

J. Alden Weir spent much of his life living and painting in this farm near Branchville, Connecticut. Both his father and older brother were well known painters, so I think it’s fair to say that he came by the trade honestly. Over his life at the farm, he hosted a number of other artists who all were part of the American impressionist movement. These artists included Childe Hassam, John Twachtman, Emil Carlsen, and Albert Pinkham Ryder. There’s even a painting of J. Alden Weir himself by John Singer Sargent, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest American painters of all time. Julian Alden Weir’s legacy continued with his daughter Dorothy Weir Young as, following his death, she continued to study and practice art at the farm, hosting a new generation of artists.

The idyllic lawn of Weir Farm National Historical Park in Connecticut.

Today, the farm still hosts resident artists practicing in the impressionist style and hosts a collection of works by Weir and other artists. It’s a smaller site to visit, but for those interested in art history and American culture, this one seems pretty unmissable.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park – Georgia

Saint Croix Island isn’t the only place where thousands of years of human existence is contemplated, there are multiple sites in the US National Parks that preserve and educate on the ancient people of these lands. Ocmulgee Mounds in Georgia, just outside of Macon, features enormous earthwork mounds and human habitation dating back more than 12,000 years.

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Georgia is one of the oldest sites of human activity in North America.

The large mounds that the site is named for were built sometime before 1000 CE by people from the Mississippian culture. At the site, there is a visitor center with more than 2,000 artifacts on display and an earth lodge that you can go inside. There’s also several miles of trails to walk which will take you to historical mounds.

First State National Historical Park – Pennsylvania, Delaware

Continuing our celebration of the 250 years, the First State National Historical Park commemorates Delaware being the first state to ratify the Constitution. This district along the Delaware River, just south of Wilmington, features historic buildings and fortifications. Although the significance of being the first state to ratify is certainly notable, the park gives emphasis to the history that Delaware played in the early colonial history as well.

First State National Historical Park where Pennsylvania borders Delaware, has a unique waterfront full of history.

Delaware was colonized by not only the English, was we all know, but there were several other prominent nationalities with settlements as well. The Dutch, Swedes, and Finns each had their own settlements in the region and they all had their own cultures and traditions. It’s not all about the culture, though, because the park also aims to preserve the landscape of the Brandywine Valley.

Interestingly, this is quite a new park being established in 2013 by President Barack Obama, so it’s still getting its legs, so to speak.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park – Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia

Cumberland Gap may be one of the more famous parks on this list, Vice President Richard Nixon was present for the visitor center dedication, but it’s still one that I’ve found most people don’t know about. Located where Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee meet, this was a key passage through the lower Appalachian Mountains and served as a critical path of travel for centuries before European settlers and centuries after.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park where Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia meet.

The closest major cities to the park are Knoxville and Lexington at about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving away from the park. At Cumberland Gap, there is the historic village of Hensley Settlement that you can visit and, from Mid-May through October, take a tour through. If you’re up for something in a much more enclosed space, there’s also a tour that’s conducted at Gap Cave. These tours are only conducted from May through August and they only take twenty people on each tour. If you are interested in doing a tour in Hensley Settlement or Gap Cave, call 606-248-2817 in advance of your visit to make reservations and check availability.

In a first for this list, Cumberland Gap National Park also features camping sites and horseback riding. You’ll have to bring your own horse, but I have a feeling that horse people already knew that.

Dry Tortugas National Park – Florida

Key West is the end of the road in the Florida Keys. Once you’ve reached Fort Taylor or Mallory Square, that’s the end right? Wrong, and you’re not even close to the end. No, the end is more than 60 miles away on the Dry Tortugas islands along with Fort Jefferson, but the road does not go there.

If you want to get to Dry Tortugas National Park, the only way to reach it is by seaplane or boat. The most striking thing about the park is that less than 1% of the park is ground, almost all of the park’s surface is water. As you might expect, most of the activities are water based. Snorkeling, diving, and swimming are immensely popular in the park.

Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida is one of the best snorkeling places in the world.

Boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders all love Dry Tortuga as well. The waters of nearby keys are explorable, though some areas may be restricted to protect wildlife from time to time. Fishing is another popular activity in the park with an opportunity to patiently wait in some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see.

I haven’t even mentioned the most prominent feature of the park, Fort Jefferson. The starkly red 19^th century fort encompasses much of Garden Key and is about 14 acres in size. It’s the center of all visitor arrivals to the park, with docks for the ferry and private vessels as well as seaplanes. You can even camp just outside its walls, though those spots often sell out months in advance.

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial – Ohio

The War of 1812 is not taught nearly as well as other major wars in US history. I would challenge anyone reading this to tell me what the war started over. Unless you have specifically studied the War of 1812, I doubt you can tell me. That’s exactly what makes visiting Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Ohio so very worthwhile.

The memorial was created to honor the Battle of Lake Erie. This was not a battle on land, it was a naval battle on the waters of Lake Erie. Not only that, this was one the largest naval battles of the war and proved to be a critical victory for the American forces since they would go on to control Lake Erie for the rest of the war which, in turn, allowed them to recover Detroit. That’s not something that most US schools teach you, though I imagine if you leave in the area a field trip probably happened.

Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial in Ohio.

A chance to learn about one of the most pivotal moments for America in the early years of our history should not be passed up. You can visit the memorial by taking a ferry from several different nearby cities, but the most notable is Sandusky, OH. The memorial is located on an island in Lake Erie and stands 352 feet tall. The visitor center hosts dioramas of the battle along with exhibits discussing the history of the war and the events on Lake Erie. During the summer, there are ranger talks, weekend weapon demonstrations, and presentations.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Michigan

Dunes are something that most people associate with deserts, where they take on an ominous, looming quality. Of course that’s not the only place to find dunes, though, because they also exist by many sandy shores. Sprawling out over 35 miles of coastline in the northwest of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore exists.

The sweeping shoreline of Lake Michigan was created by glacial movements more than 10,000 years ago. Frozens mountains carved out the lakes, crushed stones, and moved soil to shape these massive buffs. The dunes rise hundreds of feet above the water, giving visitors unbelievable vistas.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is incredible to behold.

Inside the park, you can hike miles of trails, drive scenic roadways, paddle in several different bodies of water including Lake Michigan, camp, or simply enjoy a wonderful sandy beach along a freshwater lake. Biking the roads in the park and areas outside the park is also extremely popular. Calling this an outdoor recreational paradise may not be much of an exaggeration. The surrounding region is also one of the most visited tourism spots in the state, with Traverse City being the largest hub.

I do feel the need to pause for a moment and reframe the term lake for people. Most individuals that are not from the Great Lakes region seem to have little to no understanding of the scales involved with a Great Lake. Lake Michigan is more than 300 miles long and 118 miles wide with a surface area of more than 22,000 square miles. These are not the lakes you’re thinking of.

Pullman National Historical Park – Illinois

There’s a National Park right in the middle of Chicago. Okay, maybe not the middle, per say, but just a little ways south of the Museum of Science and Industry. The site is the Pullman National Historical Park and it tells the story of the first planned model industrial community in the nation, otherwise known as a company town.

George Pullman founded the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1862, which made sleeper cars for railroads, not road going cars. As his company grew, he had an idea for a planned community that all his workers would live in. With a new factory being built to meet demand, he put into action his concept of the company town. His workers would live in the town and work in the factory and everything would be great. Until demand slipped due to a financial crash and worker wages were reduced but the rent wasn’t. That sort of thing usually leads to some fairly upset workers, which might explain why they went on strike.

National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum in the Pullman National Historical Park.

Although the neighborhood never came to be what Pullman hoped it would be it now stands as a lesson on, public policy, culture, labor, race, city planning, business and industry, railroads, technology, and more. The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum as well as several buildings kept in a historic state, educate visitors on the lasting impact that this place has on our world; for example, the strike I mentioned earlier led to the eventual labor movement in the US and the creation of Labor Day as a US holiday. Perhaps that weekend would be a good time to visit.

The post The US National Parks You Don’t Know – America’s 250th appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

What’s the Weather Like?

No matter where you’re going, knowing what to pack revolves a lot around the weather and, unless you are a father in your late 50s or older, it’s unlikely that you keep track of the weather in any place other than where you live. Given that, and this is true, most of us do not live in Alaska, you probably don’t have any idea what the weather is like there. Good news, though, because I looked that up for you.

The Alaska Travel Industry Association has a page on their website dedicated to briefly describing the weather during different parts of the year. I’ve taken their descriptions, and other information I was able to find to create a very broad description of each month. It may surprise you that there’s quite a range of weather that you can experience throughout the Alaskan tourism season, which runs mid-May through mid-September.

Here’s how that breaks down:

Starting in May, the average daytime temps range from 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit or 4.5-13 degrees for my Celsius challenged friends. May skies are usually overcast or mostly cloudy with some scattered or light rain and 16-18 hours of daylight.

Typical Alaskan weather in May.

In June the average temperature ranges from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-21 degrees Celsius. The skies are clearer and the days are drier. This time of year brings something special, specifically the summer solstice, where, in parts of Alaska, you will get 24 hours of sunlight. Having experienced close to that in Iceland, I can attest that it is truly amazing.

Moving on to July, which is the warmest month, you’ll feel temps ranging from 55-75 degrees Fahrenheit or 13-14 degrees Celsius. Although, some days it does get above 80 and even 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 26.5 to 32 degrees Celcius. Skies above will be mostly sunny and clear with 18-20 hours of daylight.

By August it’s cooling down a bit and fall is approaching. Temps are between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit or 10-15.5 degrees Celsius. The weather turns back to overcast and rainy but there’s still 14-16 hours of daylight.

Once September arrives, though, things start to get fairly chilly as the average temps are between 35-50 degrees Fahrenheit or 1.5-13 degrees Celsius. As autumn rolls in, it’s often rainy and frost regularly forms overnight.

Clothing Advice and List

When it comes to your clothing, knowing what to pack for Alaksa, much like ogres, is all about layers. Throughout the season you can see that there are temperature swings of 15°-20°F (5°-10°C) during the day. That means that you’re going to want a light jacket, possibly fleece, (like this one) on the outside and a lighter piece of clothing, like a long or short sleeved t-shirt under it.

Personally, during the shoulder months of May and September, I would advise taking a water resistant or waterproof jacket as your outer layer because it was often misting or lightly raining when I was there. Many, but not all, windbreakers are water shedding and could be a good fit for this.

High quality socks are also a good idea. I personally like using merino wool socks. They dry out quickly and keep you warm. Bringing premium socks is doubly important if you plan on doing any hiking or other vigorous outdoor activities. I suppose that during June and July, the type of sock you have probably matters less, given the drier weather, but the rest of the season you’ll find this advice helpful.

I would also recommend a hat of some sort. During the rainy parts of the season, a good water-shedding hat will keep your head dry and during the sunny parts of the season it’ll keep the sun out of your eyes – and there’s a lot of sun!

I use a hat like this because I prefer function over form for this sort of thing. Which is a polite way of saying I don’t mind looking dorky but being comfortable.

As for footwear, that’s very dependent on what you are planning on doing. If you are planning a hike, I recommend bringing a pair of hiking boots or shoes. The trails that you hike on are marked and well-trod, but they are not sidewalks or paved. Sneakers or running shoes are fine if you’re just walking around town or doing a crab or fish feast. Don’t bother with sandals or flip-flops, leave them at home.

• Light out layer, possibly fleece. You may water it to be waterproof if visiting in May or September.
• Good quality socks, I suggest merino wool, especially if you’re hiking or doing other vigorous outdoor activities.
• A hat. If you have a hat that sheds water, that’s a good trait, but during sun or rain, a hat is very beneficial.
• Bring appropriate shoes for your activities. If you are hiking, bring hiking footwear. If you’re not doing vigorous activities outside, sneakers are okay. Forget the sandals.

Cruise Specific Clothing

Most cruise goers have their cruising experience in warm climates, but Alaska isn’t that. There’s unlikely to be good weather for you to lay out on the deck. Most outdoor activities on the ship will be less comfortable than they are in the Caribbean, for example. Sun dresses and shorts are probably not the right choice. Jeans, slacks, cardigans, sweaters, those are better picks. Evening attire depends on the cruise line, but plan to incorporate warmer things in your outfit.

Pools are sometimes heated on cruise ships, but not always, so before you pack any swimwear, check the specific ship you are going on and see if that ship heats their pool or pools. If they aren’t heated, they are almost certainly not warm enough to be used comfortably in Alaska. However, if there are hot tubs on your ship, which there often are, those can be fun to use, especially if you like a little bit chilly air on your nose while the rest of you is warm in the water.

• Bring warmer clothes than you would on a Caribbean cruise.
• Long pants are a must and if you want to wear a dress or gown, bring a wrap of some sort to keep you a bit warmer up top.

Accessories

Alaska is one of the most stunning places that you’ll ever visit and there’s a few things that you may regret if you don’t bring them. Some of these are activity dependent (you don’t need trekking poles to ride on a scenic railway), so use your best judgement one what ones you will personally benefit from.

Binoculars

No matter what you’re doing in Alaska, you’ll want to be able to see things a little better and a good pair of binoculars is perfect for a trip like this. Some cruise lines will provide binoculars in cabins, but most do not, and the lines that do provide them don’t provide great ones either. No matter how you’re visiting Alaska, though, you’ll want a pair for yourself.

You don’t want to miss a sight like this,

To get an idea of what I’m talking about, here’s a link to my Alaska album. There’s a lot of photos in it, so jump around as you see fit. I was able to use my telephoto lens to bring all that nature a bit closer to me and I think you’ll want to do the same.

There’s a big quality difference between the $25-$50 range and when you jump up to $100+. If that’s worth it to you, I’ve read very good things about this pair from Vortex.

I don’t personally own a pair of these, but from what I’ve read in reviews, people’s experiences are quite positive. They provide a 10x magnification and a fairly wide viewing angle without being too heavy to hold. They should last for many, many years and come with a case and strap.

Now, if you are open to spending more and getting the benefits of image stabilization technology, then you can step up to this pair from Canon.

I own a pair of these (of slightly older model). I’ve used them for wildlife spotting and birding for about 10 years. The image stabilization tech is astoundingly cool, making gazing through them much easier, but the price was certainly a jump. Strictly speaking, I don’t think it’s necessary to buy these if you are not going to use them more than for this trip, but they are very fun.

No matter what you choose, you’ll thank yourself for picking up a pair.

Trekking Poles

Getting a nice pair of trekking poles can be very beneficial if you plan on traversing some more difficult or slippery terrain. The key to a good pole, though, is that it fits you. Adjustable poles make that easier, but you still need to know the range of height you need.

Here’s a simple guide:

To know if your poles are a good fit, the most common test is to bend your arm at the elbow out at a 90° angle from your body and make it parallel to the ground. Your pole should fit right into your hand and preserve that 90° angle while the tip rests on the ground. Since everyone is a different height, getting adjustable poles is very helpful for getting the sizing correct and giving you adjustability for different terrain.

I quite like this pair, which I own, but I would recommend that you go to a store to try the poles out in person if that’s possible for you to do.

They’re extremely lightweight, not even a pound, and they have helpful length markers so you can zero in the correct height for you quite quickly.

One thing to note about trekking poles. If you’re flying, these must go in checked baggage. Don’t try to put them in your carry-on, you won’t be allowed to fly with them.

Humidifier

This is likely only necessary when going to Alaska in May or September, but I assure you that it’s very helpful. I have an entire article on the best travel humidifiers here. Read it over and pick up the best one for your needs.

The post What to Pack For Alaska appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Between March and November, when most manatees venture out into the world, guests at Blue Spring State Park are welcome to slip into the river to feel the comfortable 72-degree water for themselves. While you are not allowed to swim directly with them, you can swim near them. We have, and it is delightful.

The park also offers two-hour boat tours that the family can enjoy.

Manatees are vegetarians

Multitudes of Manatees

Manatees in Florida are a popular attraction. Be sure to check out the daily manatee count at the ticket booth! The current record counted nearly a thousand manatees visiting at once. You will also spot many birds, large fish, and alligators thriving alongside them.

During select dates in the spring, the park allows guests with an after-hours permit to stay after closing to see beautiful fireflies glow in the twilight hours.

So Much to Do at Blue Spring State Park

Don’t want to get wet? No problem! The park also boasts several miles of hiking and biking trails, allowing you to get in touch with Florida’s unique scrub habitat. There is scuba diving and snorkeling. Tube rentals are also available.

During the peak migration months of November to February, you can reserve a snorkeling kayak tour with a naturalist. You paddle up to the edge of the protected refuge and wait for the hundreds of manatees to wake up and float under kayaks to the river in search of a morning meal.  

Beyond the Manatees: Camping

Guests wanting to enjoy the park for longer may make reservations for one of over 50 campsites within walking distance to the spring, each with electricity and accommodation for recreational vehicles up to 40 feet in length. Six two-bedroom cabins are also available for a minimum two-night stay, fully equipped with central heating, air conditioning, kitchen, and outdoor grill.

Thursby House at Blue Spring State Park

Beyond the Manatees: Florida History at Blue Spring State Park

Those who want a glimpse to Florida’s past will enjoy visiting the Louis P. Thursby House, a 19th century home still standing in its original condition after nearly 150 years. It was once part of a larger property including an orange grove and steamboat dock and today it remains a museum showcasing the life of European settlers like the Thursby family. The house itself sits on top of an ancient shell midden, a type of mound typical of the area, built by native Americans not only to consolidate food waste but also act as a support for buildings on top.

Practical Matters

Blue Spring State Park is a convenient 45-minute drive directly north of Orlando and offers an amazing look at spectacular wildlife along with a variety of activities fit for the whole family. Parking tickets are only $6 for each vehicle of up to eight guests, making your visit affordable.

Be aware that the park is very popular so you might experience long lines to enter. It is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sundown.

Swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving are all allowed, as are bringing your own tube, kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Rentals for canoes/kayaks and tubes are available. Guided boat, scuba, and snorkeling tours allow guests to get some of the best views of all Blue Spring State Park has to offer. There is a concession with food and gifts.

More Tips and Ideas For Orlando Area Attractions

Universal Studios

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Our view of the total solar eclipse in 2023

How Do I See the Next Total Solar Eclipse?

Mark your calendars for August 12th, 2026, because the next major solar eclipse is on its way. Given the phenomenal success of this year’s eclipse cruises, many cruise lines are already preparing for this celestial event. To help you plan at the best possible prices, Far Far Away Travels is offering exclusive group pricing. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness the eclipse from the best vantage point while enjoying significant savings. Secure your spot today and embark on an unforgettable journey! To read all the details, pricing, and to make reservations visit out special webpage. 

Nichole on the Emerald Princess watching the eclipse

The best viewing places for the next total solar eclipse in August 2026 will be off the coasts of Spain and Iceland. Cunard we’ll have 3 eclipse cruises, and we have group space on two of them.  

Photographing the total solar eclipse can be best done with some specific skills, but make sure you get started by learning how to do stunning photos when you travel.

A big eclipse family party.

Chasing the Eclipse

Our passion for eclipses ignited after witnessing the breathtaking 2018 eclipse across the US. We journeyed to Kentucky for a front-row seat, and it was nothing short of spectacular. So, when we discovered another eclipse was set for April 2024, with the prime viewing spot off the coast of Mexico, and Princess Cruises offering two perfectly positioned ships, we didn’t hesitate. We booked immediately and rallied 22 friends and family members to join us. It was an unforgettable experience. Now we really want to see the next total solar eclipse. Remember, there is no controlling the weather, so viewing is not guaranteed. However, your odds are much better on a ship that can sail to a better location if needed. And besides, you will still have a wonderful cruise experience. 

Space is not guaranteed so we encourage you to book soon with a refundable deposit. 

The post Next Total Solar Eclipse: Don’t Miss It! appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.